Identifying and Understanding Breakouts

Breakouts can negatively affect one’s confidence, which may cause personal and social interactions to suffer, Often, there is a tendency to shrug off breakouts and not address the possible causes, but the best way to prevent and manage breakouts effectively is by knowing exactly what you are dealing with.

Different types of breakouts are caused by different factors; and require different types of treatment. The sooner you know and address your breakouts, the faster you’ll be able to improve your skin condition.

What are the common causes of breakouts?

Your skin’s pores have oil glands that produce a type of oil called sebum. Sebum hydrates and smoothens your skin, while acting as a layer of protection for it.

The main cause of acne is when your oil glands overproduce sebum. The excess oil then clogs your pores and a type of bacteria, called P. acnes, grows inside your skin’s hair follicles.

This can cause the following type of breakouts:

1) Comedones

A comedo is is a hair follicle that has been clogged with oil and dead skin. Comedones can develop into two types of bumps; blackheads and whiteheads.

Whiteheads (closed comedones)

If the buildup of oil and bacteria does not have an opening to the surface of the skin, it becomes a small, hard, white bump called a whitehead. It looks just like a pimple, minus the redness and inflammation. Also, unlike a pimple, you cannot squeeze its contents out.

Whiteheads can occur anywhere on your skin, but appear most commonly on the forehead, cheeks and under-eye area.

Blackheads (open Comedones)

While there isn’t really a cure for Comedones, you can treat or prevent them. Comedones tend to occur more in the skin of smokers than non-smokers. Studies have also proven that a diet that is high in sugar and fat may also contribute to comedonal acne. So, watch what you eat and avoid smoking.

Overhydrated skin can also cause this type of acne. So, remember to exfoliate and be careful to not over-moisturise.

Treatment for Comedones

While there isn’t really a cure for Comedones, you can treat or prevent them. Comedones tend to occur more in the skin of smokers than non-smokers. Studies have also proven that a diet that is high in sugar and fat may also contribute to comedonal acne. So, watch what you eat and avoid smoking.

Overhydrated skin can also cause this type of acne. So, remember to exfoliate and be careful to not over-moisturise.

2) Regular pimples (Papules)

Papules occur when a clogged pore ruptures and becomes inflamed. The bacteria P.acnes also contributes to inflammation and formation of papules. This is the mildest form of acne lesion. Papules are normally small, red or pink bumps on the skin.

3) Large Pimples (Pustules)

When pimples become large and swollen, they’re called Pustules. This type of pimple resembles a whitehead head, but is normally pus-filled with a red ring around the inflammation.

Treatment for Regular and large pimples
Most acne treatment products contain two key ingredients; Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid.

Benzoyl peroxide

This kills the bacteria P. acnes within the pimple, preventing it from multiplying; it also has exfoliating properties, which removes excess sebum and dead skin cells, to reduce clogging of the pores and decrease available food for bacteria growth.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid helps to unclog your pores by removing excess sebum and dead skin cells. This reduces clogging of the pores and decreases the available food for bacteria growth.

4) Painful pimples (Nodules & Cysts)

The most difficult type of acne to treat are nodules and cysts. These are the most painful and largest kind of pimples.

Nodules are large bumps developed deep within the skin that feel hard to the touch. Cysts on the other hand, feel soft and large, are pus-filled and look similar to boils.

Treatment for Nodules & Cysts
For both nodules and cysts, it is very important to consult your dermatologist; as there are no over-the-counter remedies for them.

Comments 46

I have a combination skin, but most of the time it was oily. i dont have a cyst but it does breakouts a lot and continuously without stopping. After one acne healed another came out. I would love to try Cetaphil Dermacontrol Oil, as i believed the key of having a good skin is moisturizing. I would wanted to try Dermacontrol Oil Moisturizer with SPF30. Can you tell me where i could get it in Penang? I looked out at most watson and guardian, also Caring Pharmacy but couldnt find any. Its not available online in watsone website either. can you help me with some information? Thanks. I would appreciate it much.

Hi Nabila, thank you for your enquiry. Cetaphil products are suitable for all skin types especially sensitive skin. You can try our Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. We would still recommend you consult a dermatologist about your skin condition before trying any new products in general. Hope this helps.

Hi Syafiqah, thank you for your enquiry. You can try our Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. We would still recommend you consult a dermatologist about your skin condition before trying any new products in general.

Suddenly i’m having serious breakouts. All skin care i have try. Then i decided to buy Cetaphil. Could you suggest me what kind of Cetaphil should i use. now i have scars, white head & blackhead. and my skin is too dry. 🙁

Hi Sue, thank you for your enquiry. Our DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion is ideal for quick 24 hours hydration. It can be used for both the face and body, and it is quickly absorbed. For cleansing, we recommend using our Gentle Skin Cleanser first before moisturising your skin. Hope this helps!

Hye, my skin is combo skin type.and currently having major breakout after use ****** brand. i appreciate if you suggest me which of cetaphill product suits on my skin. so i can choose the right for my skin.Tq

Hi Ciksue, we have products that are suitable for those with combination skin. If you would like to learn more about your skin type and suitable skincare, do enquire with a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and advise before trying out any products. Thanks!

Hello.. My skin is bit oily and shine around cheek area. It always have acne problems especially on forehead and cheek. And now it become worst. For now, I use a cleanser(not cetaphil) but it’ll always dry my skin after cleans. Can you suggest me the cetaphil product that suitable on my skin?

Hi Nurul, thanks for your enquiry. We recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash 2 times a day. Don’t forget to apply a good moisturizer too. Do check out our Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with SPF15.

Hai.. i have oily skin then i try cetaphil oily cleanser today..my face feel a bit itchy after 30 minute like that. Is it normal?. I also have acne and scar. It always happen, my acne just always come and go. I from kuching sarawak..i can’t find any cetaphil moisturizer for oily acne skin. I search in watson and guardian.. but not of them sale same thing. Some of it have cetaphil oily product but some don’t. Please export all cetaphil product to sarawak store and farmasi. Tqvm.

Hello, I have a combination skin. The oily part was very oily and the other part are not too dry. I have a whitehead and blackhead problem and now my skin facing breakouts a lot and continuously without stopping. After one acne healed another came out. Which product would you suggest?

Hi Nadiah, thank you for your enquiry. We recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash 2 times a day. Do also apply a good moisturizer. Our Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with SPF15 that will protect your skin from harmful rays while keeping your skin well hydrated 🙂

Hi Lachhin, thank you for your enquiry and hope our Oily Skin Cleanser is helping! We would recommend that you use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion as it is lightweight and suitable for all skin types. You may also try Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF15.

Hello. I have a combination skin. T zone part was so oily, but other part is okey, not so oily. I also have scar and acne around my forehead and chin. The acne keep come out. And i also have whitehead. Can u suggest which cetaphil skincare that suitable to my skin type? Thanks 🙂

Hai cetaphil. I am having dry and sensitive skin.Besides,I’m also having oily skin especially at T-zone. Should you recommend what products which is best suits for my skin type?I have blackhead problem in nose area as well.

Hi Nurfarhanah, thank you for your enquiry. For Oily Skin type skin, we recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash 2 times a day. Be sure to moisturise too! Check out our Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion as it is lightweight and suitable for all skin types.

I started believing in your products after i have withness my daughter’s skin has improved tremendously. Thank you for producing good products. Now Cetaphil is my family number 1 product. Where can i get the Cetaphil for Men it seems not available in Malaysia yet.

Hi Ramiz, thank you for your kind words and we’re glad that our products are helping! Cetaphil Men range is only available in the United States. There’s currently no plans to bring it to Malaysia as of yet but do follow us on Cetaphil Malaysia’s Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with our latest announcements 🙂

Hi Fara, thank you for your enquiry! We recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash 2 times a day. It also helps if you apply a good moisturizer. You may try our Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion as it is lightweight and suitable for all skin types 🙂

Hi. I have a dry and sensitive skin due to enzyma. Previously I consume probiotics and my face suddenly breakouts at forehead area only. So i didnt know whether it is the side effect from probiotics or other problem. Which one of Cetaphil that could u suggest for me? Thanks.

Hi Hani, thank you for your enquiry! We would recommend our Cetaphil Restoraderm range of products for eczema-prone skin as it is specially formulated with Filaggrin technology that helps relief itch and redness after just 2 weeks of use. You may purchase our Cetaphil Restoraderm Eczema Aid Kit that includes the Body Wash & Moisturizing Lotion (1oz each) for only RM29.30 🙂

I would like to know what specific Cetaphil products can help remove milia on my face particularly cheeks. I have dry skin and since I’m trying different kinds of product to cure milia. It’s just getting worst. A friend recommended Cetaphil products for me, but please help me know what’s best to use.

Hi Kate, thank you for your enquiry! We are not certified to give a proper diagnosis as we are not professional dermatologists. To our knowledge, there are no products in the markets that is able to remove milia perfectly. However, our products can help improve your overall skin condition. We would recommend speaking to a Dermatologist first before testing any new products 🙂

My skin is quite complicated where the forehead is oily while the cheek is too dry. And actually, I have already bought the Gentle Cleanser. Is my decision okay? And another thing, what should I put on my face after washing my face as I realize Cetaphil didn’t sell any toner. Hope you can advise me on exact way to take care of skin. thank you 🙂

Hi Hana, thank you for your enquiry! Our Gentle Skin Cleanser is suitable for Normal/ Combination Skin-types but as you have oily skin, we recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. If you’re looking to replace your moisturizer too, you may check out our Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with SPF15. It can be used for both the face and body, and it is quickly absorbed.

I just want to know which product should I buy for my skin to reduce pimples & acne on my face. When period is around the corner, pimples will come out and then when I’m not patient I just pinch the pimples then my face got acne scars. So, how to remove that acne scars & pimple? Can you suggest for me?I’m stress when my face not flawless.

Hey Shana, thank you for the enquiry. To our knowledge, there are no products in the market that is able to remove acne scars perfectly. However, our products can help improve your skin condition. For oily-skin type, we would recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. If you would like to know more about what kind of products work well with your skin-type, kindly consult Dermatologist first before trying any products. Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Haifa, thank you for your enquiry! Yes, we recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. Be sure to apply a good moisturizer after cleansing to keep your skin properly hydrated. Do check out Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion as it is lightweight and suitable for all skin types. Hope this helps 🙂

I have a oily skin and acne.., my face toned also imbalance..my face will get a problem with acne and oily mostly when period time.. can you help me which combination from cetaphil product its good for me to get rid this oily,acne and imbalance tone problem at the same time..?

Hi Zaza, thanks for your enquiry. Based on your skin-type, we recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. A good moisturiser would be Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion as it is lightweight and suitable for all skin types. If you would like to learn more about your skin-type, we recommend that you seek the advise and recommendations from a dermatologist. Hope this helps!

Hi Nisa, thank you for your enquiry! We recommend using our Intensive Moisturising Cream for your hands, body and knees. If you’re looking for a product to be using on the face, do check out our Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion which is ideal for quick 24 hours hydration. Hope this helps.

Hello there, I am having a combination skin. My face is oily on the t-zone area while other parts are kind of dry. Recently I have problem with acne on my cheeks and upper mouth area. I just purchased cetaphil gentle skin cleanser. I was confused whether to choose gentle or oily cleanser. And is cethaphil’s moisturiser suitable for my currently breakout skin ? thank you

Hi Natasha, thank you for your enquiry. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is suitable for all skin-types but if you feel there is excessive sebum built-up that may be responsible for the recent breakouts you’ve been experiencing, we would suggest you use Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser as an alternative since it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. We also recommend to consult a dermatologist to learn more about what products may be compatible with your skin-type too.

Hi Arina, thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately, our DermaControl range of products have been discounted as of 2017. Our Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser would be the ideal as an alternative since it can reduce sebum levels within 2 weeks if you wash twice a day. Do give it a try! 🙂

Hi Nurul, thanks for your enquiry. Yes, our Moisturizing Lotion is a lightweight formula that is suitable for oily skin. It also does not clog pores, which makes it a safe choice for acne-prone skin too.
If you’re looking for a lightweight formula for daily use, perhaps you could also consider our Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15, which moisturises and protects your skin from UV rays. Hope this helps!